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THIS CAFE LIFE
HOST & ENTERTAIN
ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS
Articles & Publications


Winter Supper Club | No-Fuss Cooking for a Crowd
Winter in New England changes the rhythm of the table.
The light fades early. The wind sharpens. Ovens stay on longer than planned. Hosting becomes less about performance and more about warmth — heavy Dutch ovens set at the center, wine poured generously, dishes passed hand to hand.
4 min read


The Nordic Brunch Board: A Scandinavian-Inspired Gathering Table
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian smørrebrød tables & seasonal Nordic brunch traditions
A Nordic brunch board is built on balance — cured seafood, bright pickled vegetables, creamy cheeses, hearty breads, and a few warm elements arranged for relaxed gathering. Rooted in Scandinavian traditions of preservation and seasonal cooking, this style of entertaining feels elegant yet effortless, with many components prepared ahead so the host can enjoy the table alongside guests
4 min read


Winter Citrus Preserves | Small Batch Magic
When winter hits, most produce pulls back — but citrus does the opposite.
Walk through any market in January or February and you’ll see it immediately: pink grapefruits, blood oranges, Meyer lemons, pomelos, tangelos. Each variety carries a different balance of sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and aroma. For a cook, it’s one of the most exciting moments of the year. This is when ideas start to stack up.
5 min read


The Gluten-Free Pasta Brands We Cook With
A chef’s review and guide to brands, shapes, and how they behave in the pan.
Gluten-free pasta has quietly undergone a revolution.
A decade ago, most options were fragile, gummy, or limited to one or two shapes. Today, the category is deep, refined, and — when chosen thoughtfully — capable of producing pasta dishes that behave exactly the way they should: holding sauce, keeping their structure, and finishing properly in the pan.
3 min read


Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes That Actually Work | This Café Life
Gluten-free pasta doesn’t need defending anymore — but it does need respect.
For a long time, gluten-free cooking was framed around absence: what you couldn’t use, what you had to substitute, what would never be “quite right.” Pasta suffered most. Overcooked, under seasoned, or smothered to hide its texture, it became something people tolerated rather than enjoyed.
5 min read


The Art of Braising
There’s a quiet kind of confidence in braising. It isn’t rushed. It doesn’t rely on spectacle. Instead, it asks for patience, heat, and a well-chosen vessel — and rewards you with dishes that feel settled, generous, and deeply comforting.
5 min read


HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KITCHEN KNIFE
A Practical Guide for Everyday Cooks
Choosing a kitchen knife isn’t about owning the “best” one — it’s about finding the tool that fits how you cook, how often you cook, and how much care you want to give it. The right knife feels natural in the hand, performs reliably, and earns its place through daily use.
5 min read


Moules & Frites
There are few dishes more iconic — or more universally loved — than moules et frites. A steaming pot of mussels, a broth that perfumes the whole kitchen, a mountain of crisp fries ready to drag through every last drop. It’s simple, sensual, social, and deeply French.
5 min read




NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR RECIPE COLLECTION
Dining Guides

Rhode Island
Newport

Massachusetts
Nantucket

Rhode Island
Block Island

Rhode Island
Bristol & Warren

Rhode Island
Providence

Maine
Castine


Portugal
Lisbon

Spain
Valencia

Mexico
Merida


Entertaining Drinks:
Coffee, Cocktails, Wine & Seasonal Sips

TOOLS WE USE - CAST IRON
Chef-trusted cast iron cookware selected for exceptional heat retention, versatility, and the ability to move seamlessly from stovetop to oven to table.

CAFE AT HOME
Essential brewing tools, mugs, and café-inspired accessories to create a refined coffee ritual at home, whether you brew with a press, moka pot, or machine.

SOUP LOVER'S KIT
A curated collection of chef-trusted tools and serveware designed to help you prepare, simmer, and serve comforting soups with ease and elegance.

CLAMBAKE KIT
This clambake set includes enamelware, lobster plates, coastal linens, and hosting essentials — perfect for seaside dinners, summer parties, and New England cooking all year long.

TABLETOP - MOODY BLUES
Dark, dramatic, beautifully modern — this is coastal dining dressed for winter evenings. Deep navy glazes, clean glassware, and sculptural silhouettes bring a sense of intimacy to the table.
Videos & Links

Spicy Salmon Roll

The Best Carnitas

Roasted Mackerel

Sheet Pan Chicken

Bone Broth Soup
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